If it's two, that's half a season and you can see why Freeman's sources were concerned with that number. If it's three months, well, that's three-fourths of the season and any sort of delay in the recovery process would almost certainly put Manning out for the season.

However, though this is Manning's third surgery in the past 19 months, the team will keep him on the active roster, the Colts said.

Don't anticipate Indy confirming any timeline for Peyton's return, though. In fact, they confirmed that they will not be confirming that, although the team did acknowledge the surgery.

"As previously stated on Monday, Sept. 5th, Peyton Manning has undergone further testing and consultation with several specialists regarding his rehabilitation. The results of these tests and the consensus of the consultations was that further surgery was warranted," the Colts said in a statement released by the team. "Peyton has undergone this surgery today by having a single level anterior fusion. The surgery was un-eventful.

"This procedure is performed regularly throughout the country on persons from all walks of life, including professional football players. Two former Colts players had this same procedure last winter and have fully resumed their careers. Rehabilitation from such surgery is typically an involved process. Therefore, there will be no estimation of a return date at this time. We will keep Peyton on the active roster until we have a clearer picture of his recovery process."

The Manning surgery was originally reported by ESPN's Chris Mortensen, who adds that "there is no word whether he'll be put on [injured reserve]." Mortensen also spoke with Archie Manning, the Colts quarterback's father.

"I think he's OK, probably because there's a little finality to this deal in terms of playing," Archie said. "He's been on the clock since May. He didn't make it. Obviously, it's a big letdown, but he can relax a little bit compared to the intensity of everything he has done trying to rehab."

Will Carroll of Sports Illustrated paints an even bleaker picture, noting that "if reports of cervical fusion are correct, this is potentially career ending." Carroll also notes that "two to three months is unbelievably aggressive for [this] procedure."

For those wondering why the timeline for Manning has been so vague this week, Michael Lombardi of the NFL Network reports that Peyton "has traveled all over the U.S. trying to find a solution for his cervical problem, the latest recommendation resulted in surgery today."

If that's the case, it certainly makes sense that, as we said earlier today, no one with the Colts actually knew what the deal with Manning was, because he was out there trying to find out what -- if any -- options were available for him from other medical professionals.

The secrecy that's surrounded this entire process has been baffling, almost to the point where it's hard to fathom how we got here. So private, in fact, that even Peyton's older brother Cooper wasn't aware of what was going on with the quarterback's injury.

"[Peyton] values his privacy even within a very tight family like we have," Cooper told ESPN. "We've exchanged some short texts and I've given him his space. He's had a lot going on."

Cooper's not the only one who has sounded out of the know when it comes to Peyton's surgery -- Jim Caldwell didn't have much of an answer on Thursday when reporters inquired about a status update on Manning, shortly before news broke of the surgery.

Peyton Manning undergoes surgery, out 2-3 months?

My best wishes go out to Peyton Manning. I know this is his worst nightmare and case scenario. The guy has a heart of a warrior when it comes to the football field. He is as prepared if not more prepared for game time than any player in the NFL. He eats, breathes, lives football. I have been a big fan of his since the first time I saw him take a snap at the University of Tennessee. He makes other teams' defenses, no matter how good they think they are, look awkward. He can dissect a defense in a matter of seconds and find their vulnerability.

He is one of the best quarterbacks I have seen and definitely one of the best of his era. The team will sorrily miss him much more than he will miss them. Don't let his humbleness fool ya. Yes he would kill to be out there, but there isn't a player on that roster that wouldn't take a pay cut tomorrow to get him back on the field if it came down to money. You can't say that about anyone else in the NFL as far as top tier QBs and their players dedication.

The last thing Peyton Manning wanted to do was hold fans and his teammates hostage. He is an incredibly private person, and I can respect that. He didn't want to let anyone know the severity until he was absolutely sure of his prognosis. The man deserves his respect and dignity as he heals, people. Some of you can get off his back now and go onto your newest pre-occupation. We know it won't take many too long to try and bring down their next victim. Good luck and much love to Payton Manning, and F the haters!

Since: Sep 11, 2006

Posted on: September 8, 2011 7:14 pm

Peyton Manning undergoes surgery, out 2-3 months?

You've never faced a lingering ailment without health insurance, I take it. Why should Peyton Manning spend millions just because the NFL owners wanted more money? His team's owner put Manning in a bind when he joined the other ownerss in kicking out the players as a "negotiation" tactic.

MIllions?? If you think it cocts millions to have neck sugery thn you are crazy!! $100,000-$200,000 maybe! Millions are spent when people get exprimental treatment, or spend weeks in ICU because their families won't pull the plug in hipeless situations, extreme canxcer therapies etc..

This sounds like it has been an ongoing problem for years... you don't just follow up neck surgery every few months... SOunds bad to me.. every tie you repeat a surgery.. the chances of success go down.... As an MD I predict he won't return ever!

Since: Aug 25, 2009

Posted on: September 8, 2011 6:59 pm

Peyton Manning undergoes surgery, out 2-3 months?

As a Titans fan , you sure as heck won't see me cry about this. Peyton has owned the division for most of a decade and humiliated my team all too often.

Still, hope he heals well and everything turns out okay for him.

Since: Jun 3, 2011

Posted on: September 8, 2011 6:53 pm

Peyton Manning undergoes surgery, out 2-3 months?

This has been the worst kept secret for weeks, glad the cat is finally out of the bag. While Peyton being out for any significant time is not good for the NFL the visits to Mississippi to see Favre and then Collins should have showed anyone paying attention that missing half the season was likely if not more. 2-3 weeks and the Colts would have gone with the serviceable backup they have but in this scenario you need a seasoned veteran who's been there and won before to still be in it when Manning returns. As long as they're still in the hunt he'll be back this year, if things aren't going well look for Peyton to take the whole year off, only hurry back if there's something to play for.

Since: Feb 25, 2009

Posted on: September 8, 2011 6:43 pm

Peyton Manning undergoes surgery, out 2-3 months?

didnt he have the whole offseason plus the lockout to have this taken cared of?

You've never faced a lingering ailment without health insurance, I take it. Why should Peyton Manning spend millions just because the NFL owners wanted more money? His team's owner put Manning in a bind when he joined the other ownerss in kicking out the players as a "negotiation" tactic.

sheez didnt the colts sign him to an extension with loads of guaranteed money. seems like the only thing the colts got in return was guarantee 3months

Given the unceremonious dumping of David Garrard, is anybody really going to make the argument that Peyton is bad because he broke faith? In the NFL, the owners screw the players, so the players screw the owners. It's The American Way™. Also, the Colts got 13 years of Hall-of-Fame-level quarterbacking. You can't put a price tag on that kind of greatness, and the what-have-you-done-for-me-lately attitude is a little rich, again given David Garrard.

well heres hoping he makes a full recovery

Agreed. And speedy.

Since: Jul 26, 2009

Posted on: September 8, 2011 6:31 pm

Peyton Manning undergoes surgery, out 2-3 months?

Well Garrard can expect phone call # 6.

Since: Nov 4, 2009

Posted on: September 8, 2011 6:12 pm

Peyton Manning undergoes surgery, out 2-3 months?

When did you examine the patient, Doctor???????

Since: Aug 31, 2008

Posted on: September 8, 2011 6:09 pm

Peyton Manning undergoes surgery, out 2-3 months?

At this point IF Manning can ever come back, he may as well sit out the rest of the season and comeback healthy next year. Im sure he will want to get back ASAP but its not worth getting permanent neck damage. The colts will be awful without him and likely draft his eventual replacement after finishing well under .500 with Kerry Collins at the helm.

Since: Jan 18, 2008

Posted on: September 8, 2011 5:51 pm

Peyton Manning undergoes surgery, out 2-3 months?

This is a blow to the NFL fans who loved to watch him work his magic. I for one loved watvhing him succeed unless it was against my Pats. I can only hope he can recover from a 3rd surgery. This is really scarry. Maybe we have seen the last of this great qb.

Since: Apr 28, 2008

Posted on: September 8, 2011 5:44 pm

Peyton Manning undergoes surgery, out 2-3 months?

Oh and I'm sure that all procedures have to be ok'ed by the club and it's physicians of which he was not allowed any contact with.